Spicy Bolivian Aji Amarillo Chicken Stew

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A warming chicken stew infused with the bright, spicy flavors of traditional Bolivian aji amarillo sauce and hearty vegetables. This latin american-inspired chicken ready in about 55 minutes pairs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, aji amarillo paste, medium onion, diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces, and sear for 5-6 minutes until golden on all sides.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1 diced medium onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 tbsp aji amarillo paste and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly to coat the chicken and onion.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 3 cups chicken broth, then add 2 peeled, cubed medium potatoes and 2 sliced medium carrots. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  5. Step 5: Bring the stew to a simmer, cover, and cook for 25-30 minutes until the potatoes and carrots are tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 2 tbsp chopped cilantro leaves for a fresh finish before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Bolivian Aji Amarillo Chicken Stew take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Spicy Bolivian Aji Amarillo Chicken Stew?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep aji amarillo paste from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Bolivian Aji Amarillo Chicken Stew?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Spicy Bolivian Aji Amarillo Chicken Stew for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Spicy Bolivian Aji Amarillo Chicken Stew?

Latin American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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